Captopril: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Captopril is a short-acting ACE inhibitor. It is a prescription medicine used for high blood pressure, heart failure and diabetic kidney disease. In Pakistan it is available as tablets and capsules, made by 16 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Captopril works
Captopril blocks angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which the body uses to make angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels. With less angiotensin II, the blood vessels relax, blood pressure falls, and the heart and kidneys are put under less strain.
What is Captopril used for?
Captopril is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It is also given after a heart attack to help protect the heart muscle, and to slow kidney damage in people with type 1 diabetes who have protein in their urine. Because it acts quickly and wears off fairly soon, it is sometimes chosen when a doctor wants close control of blood pressure.
Side effects of Captopril
Many people take Captopril without problems, but common side effects include:
- Dry, tickly cough
- Dizziness, especially when standing up
- Change or loss of taste
- Skin rash or itching
- Headache
- Tiredness
Get emergency help for swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing. Contact a doctor promptly for fever, sore throat or mouth ulcers, as captopril can rarely lower white blood cells.
Precautions and warnings
- Take it on an empty stomach before meals, as food reduces how well it is absorbed, and keep taking it even when you feel well.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, narrowing of the kidney arteries, a connective tissue disease such as lupus, or a past episode of angioedema.
- Do not use potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes unless advised, and check before taking NSAID painkillers or lithium.
- A persistent dry cough is a known side effect; let your doctor know if it troubles you, as another medicine may suit you better.
- It must not be used during pregnancy, so tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions about Captopril
What is the price of Captopril in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Captopril products currently in stock range from Rs 45 to Rs 1,129 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Mtopril 25mg Tablet at Rs 45. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Captopril are available in Pakistan?
Captopril is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Capril (Maple Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd), Captomak (Makson), Garan (Siza International), Valopril (Valor Pharmaceuticals), Captil (Werrick Pharmaceuticals Pakistan Ltd), Capoten (Glaxo Smithkline Ltd), Cardiocap (Alfalah Pharma) and Bentoril (Benson), along with 9 more brands listed below.Do I need a prescription for Captopril?
Yes. Captopril is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Can Captopril be used during pregnancy?
It must not be used during pregnancy, so tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Are all Captopril brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Captopril in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Captopril brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 20+ products containing Captopril from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
